ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister to dedicate the historic Kosi Rail Mahasetu to the Nation
To inaugurate New Rail Lines and Electrification Projects in Bihar for the benefit of passengers
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shall dedicate to the nation the historic Kosi Rail Mahasetu  to the Nation through video-conference at 12 Noon on the 18th of September 2020.
Apart from this the Prime Minister shall also inaugurate 12 rail projects related to passenger facilities for the benefit of the Bihar State. These include a new railway bridge on the Kiul River, two new railway lines, 5 Electrification projects, one Electric Locomotive Shed and 3rd Line Project between Barh-Bakhtiyarpur.
The dedication of the Kosi Rail Mahasetu is a watershed moment in the history of Bihar and the entire region connecting to the North East.
In 1887, a meter gauge link was built in between Nirmali and Bhaptiahi . During the heavy flood and severe Indo Nepal earthquake in 1934, the rail link was washed away and thereafter due to meandering nature of river Kosi no attempt was made to restore this Rail link for long period.
The Kosi Mega Bridge line project was sanctioned by Government of India during 2003-04. The Kosi Rail Mahasetu is 1.9 KM long and its construction cost is Rs. 516 Crore. This bridge is of strategic importance along the India-Nepal border. The project was completed during the COVID-Pandemic where the migrant labour also participated in its completion.
The dedication of this project will fulfil the 86 year old dream and the long wait of the people of the region. Along with the dedication of the Mahasetu, the Prime Minister shall also be flagging off the Saharsa- Asanpur Kupha demo train from the Supaul Station. Once the regular train service begins, this would prove to be highly beneficial to the Supaul, Arariya and Saharsa districts. It would also make it easy for long distance travel to Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai for the people of the region.
The Prime Minister shall also be inaugurating two New Line projects at Hajipur-Ghoswar-Vaishali and Islampur-Nateshar. Shri Modi shall also be inaugurating the Karnauti-Bakhtiyarpur link bypass and 3rd line between Barh-Bakhiyarpur.
The Prime Minister shall also be inaugurating the Railway Electrification projects of Muzaffarpur – Sitamarhi, Katihar–New Jalpaiguri, Samastipur-Darbhanga-Jaynagar, Samastipur-Khagaria, Bhagalpur-Shivnarayanpur Sections.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Cabinet approves Ex post facto the proposal for the MoU between India and Comoros on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine signed on 11th October, 2019
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the proposal ex-post-facto on the Memorandum of Understanding  between the Government of the republic of India and the Government of the Union of Comoros on cooperation in the field of Health and Medicine signed in Moroni, Comoros on 11th October, 2019 during the Hon’ble Vice President of India’s state visit to Comoros.
The Memorandum of Understanding covers the following areas of cooperation:-
- Training and Capacity Building
- Exchanges of experiences
- Institutional strengthening of Hospitals; Hospital management
- Medical care in Oncology and Palliative care;
- Communicable and Non-communicable Diseases;
- Acquisition of pharmaceutical products, materials and biomedical products
- Support for the opening of three units of blood transfusion
- Support for the opening of a public health laboratory
- Support for the implementation of telemedicine
- Promotion of private investments in the field of health
- Any other area of cooperation as may be mutually decided upon
A working group will be set up to further elaborate the details of cooperation and to oversee the implementation of this Memorandum of Understanding.
Finance Commission
15th Finance Commission to hold meetings with stakeholders of the State of Goa
The 15th Finance Commission will visit the State Goa and hold meetings with the State Government and other stakeholders on 23rd -24th January, 2020. The Commission will be headed by Chairman, Sh. N.K. Singh and include all its Members and senior officials.
In this regard the Commission today had a meeting with the Principal Accountant General of Goa who made a detailed presentation to the Commission on the State’s finances.
During its stay in Goa the Finance Commission will have separate meetings with the representatives of the State’s Urban Local Bodies , Rural Local Bodies , representatives of Trade and Industry bodies of the State and representatives of the Political Parties of Goa. The Commission is also scheduled to have a detailed meeting with the Chief Minister of Goa along with other Ministers and senior State Government officials.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Expansion of Wind Energy Projects
(The Government has taken several steps to promote renewable energy, including wind energy, in the country. These, inter alia, include;
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- permitting Foreign Direct Investment  up to 100 percent under the automatic route,
- waiver of Inter State Transmission System  charges for inter-State sale of solar and wind power for projects to be commissioned by 30th June 2025,
- declaration of trajectory for Renewable Purchase Obligation  up to the year 2030,
- setting up of Ultra Mega Renewable Energy Parks to provide land and transmission to RE developers on a plug and play basis,
- laying of new transmission lines and creating new sub-station capacity for evacuation of renewable power,
- setting up of Project Development Cell for attracting and facilitating investments,
- Standard Bidding Guidelines for tariff based competitive bidding process for procurement of Power from Grid Connected Solar PV and Wind Projects,
- Government has issued orders that power shall be dispatched against Letter of Credit  or advance payment to ensure timely payment by distribution licensees to RE generators,
- Notification of Promoting Renewable Energy through Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022,
- Notification of Late Payment Surcharge and related matters Rules 2022.
In addition to the above, the following steps have been taken specifically for promoting wind energy:
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- declaration of trajectory for Wind Renewable Purchase Obligation  up to the year 2030,
- Concessional custom duty exemption on certain components required for manufacturing of wind electric generators,
- Generation Based Incentive  is being provided to the wind projects commissioned on or before 31 March 2017,
- Technical support including wind resource assessment and identification of potential sites through the National Institute of Wind Energy, Chennai.
This information was given by Shri R.K Singh Union Minister of Power and MNRE in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Paralympics double-medallist Singhraj takes PM’s ‘Meet The Champions’ campaign to Jammu & Kashmir
Calls it an opportunity for students to get real-life knowledge on ‘Santulit Aahar’
At a time where the impact of a school-visit campaign-‘Meet The Champions’, a unique initiative of the Prime Minister, is gradually firming up across the country, ace shooter Singhraj Adhana takes it forward and reaches out to the students of Jammu & Kashmir on 12th April.
The Paralympics double-medallist Singhraj, who contracted the covid-19 few months before the Paralympics 2021, stressed on the importance of having ‘Santulit Aahar’  to build strong immunity and own a healthy body.
“Having a healthy body and determination makes one win half the battle and that’s what I have learnt since my childhood,” said the 39-year-old shooter from Haryana during the event.
Extolling the initiative of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the paralympics medallist said that children are the future of any country and such programmes are like a nourishment to shape them better and fit. “This is a remarkable event started by Hon'ble PM, which I feel gives the children of India an opportunity to get real-life knowledge on the importance of balanced diet and nutrition. And at the same time, it also gives opportunity to athletes like us to interact with these children and answer their questions related to our journey, nutrition and mentality,” said Adhana.
“I feel really happy to come to this sacred land of Ramnagar and am really touched by the hospitality that the school has given me and enthusiasm shown by the students," he added.
Apart from the interactions on sports, diet and fitness the Paralympian also played volleyball with the students that brought a lot of enthusiasm among the students. “It was a memorable experience that we got a chance to interact with him and the information, advices given by him will help us not only today but in the long run of life,” said Muskan, a XI standard student of Govt. Model Higher Secondary School, Ramnagar.
Meanwhile, the programme which was held in the Govt. Model Higher Secondary School, Ramnagar at Udhampur district of J & K State witnessed nearly 200 participants from 75 schools across the state. Inclusion of interesting and quick videos on balanced diet, quiz session where winners were given away prizes made the event quite exciting for students that carried an overwhelming response for the Champ of the event.
This unique initiative is being organized jointly by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Education and is part of the government’s ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 Vaccination Update
More than 57.88 Crore vaccine doses provided to States/UTs
More than 94 Lakh balance and unutilized doses still available with States/UTs and private hospitals to be administered
The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.
As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them COVID Vaccines free of cost. In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply  75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.
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VACCINE DOSES
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SUPPLIED
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57,88,90,150
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PIPELINE
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18,62,530
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CONSUMPTION
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55,11,64,635
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BALANCE AVAILABLE
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94,03,637
More than 57.88 crore  vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far, through all sources and a further 18,62,530 doses are in the pipeline.
Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 55,11,64,635 doses .
More than 94 Lakh  balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs and private hospitals to be administered.
Ministry of Finance
Tariff Notification No.03/2021 - Customs 
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962 , and in supersession of the Notification No.113/2020-Customs, dated 17thDecember, 2020 except as respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs hereby determines that the rate of exchange of conversion of each of the foreign currencies specified in column  of each of Schedule I and Schedule II annexed hereto, into Indian currency or vice versa, shall, with effect from 8thJanuary, 2021, be the rate mentioned against it in the corresponding entry in column  thereof, for the purpose of the said section, relating to imported and export goods.
SCHEDULE-I
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Sl.No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of one unit of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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1.
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Australian Dollar
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58.30
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55.90
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2.
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Bahraini Dinar
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200.35
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188.05
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3.
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Canadian Dollar
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58.75
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56.70
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4.
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Chinese Yuan
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11.50
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11.15
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5.
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Danish Kroner
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12.35
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11.90
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6.
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EURO
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91.80
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88.60
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7.
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Hong Kong Dollar
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9.60
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9.25
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8.
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Kuwaiti Dinar
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249.20
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233.60
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9.
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New Zealand Dollar
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54.75
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52.35
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10.
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Norwegian Kroner
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8.85
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8.55
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11.
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Pound Sterling
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101.20
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97.80
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12.
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Qatari Riyal
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20.75
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19.45
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13.
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Saudi Arabian Riyal
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20.15
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18.90
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14.
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Singapore Dollar
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56.45
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54.55
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15.
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South African Rand
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5.00
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4.70
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16.
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Swedish Kroner
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9.15
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8.80
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17.
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Swiss Franc
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85.00
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81.50
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18.
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Turkish Lira
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10.30
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9.70
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19.
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UAE Dirham
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20.55
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19.30
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20.
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US Dollar
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74.00
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72.30
SCHEDULE-II
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Sl.No.
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Foreign Currency
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Rate of exchange of 100 units of foreign currency equivalent to Indian rupees
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1.
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Japanese Yen
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72.30
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69.60
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2.
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Korean Won
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6.95
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6.50
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
Union Agriculture Minister Shri Tomar visits Pusa paddy field
Today at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute , Pusa, New Delhi, the Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar and Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Kailash Chaudhary visited the paddy field of IARI, Pusa and the paddy being cultivated there. They reviewed the disease resistant varieties of Basmati rice being grown by DSR  method such as the Pusa Basmati 1979, made by improving the Pusa Basmati 1121, and Pusa Basmati 1985, derived by improving Pusa Basmati 1509.
These varieties will help in increasing the income of the farmers and saving water by reducing the cost of paddy cultivation by direct sowing. They also inspected an advanced line of coarse rice, an improved high yielding variety of Pusa 44, and commended the work being done by the Pusa Institute. Besides, they also observed three varieties, resistant to scorch and blight disease of Basmati rice, - the Pusa Basmati 1847 which is an improvement of Pusa Basmati 1509, Pusa Basmati 1885 which is an improvement of Pusa Basmati 1121 and Pusa Basmati 1886 which is an improved form of Pusa 1401.
There will be no need to spray pesticides in these varieties, which will reduce the cost as well as produce Basmati rice free from chemical residues, which will fetch good price in the international market and directly benefit farmers' income.
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Talcher Fertilizers Unit in Odisha Likely to Commence Operations by September, 2023 : Shri Gowda
The Minister of Chemical and Fertilizers Shri D. V. Sadananda Gowda informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply today that Talcher Fertilizers Limited , Odisha is likely to commence its operations by September, 2023. He added that Government of India through various Cabinet Notes approved from time to time for revival of closed Talcher unit of Fertilizer Corporation of India Limited  has been working towards restarting this urea unit.
The Minister also informed that M/s. PDIL has been appointed by TFL as Project Management Consultant for pre-project activities of TFL project. MoU was signed with IOCL for supply of pet coke in August 2017. Environment Clearance of the project was received in February, 2018. CCEA gave approval for RCF equity contribution in September 2018. Mine allotment agreement for captive coal mine has been signed in Dec. 2018. Investment approval of the project was accorded by TFL Board on 29th August 2019 after receipt of approvals by the Promoters. LSTK contract for Coal Gasification and Ammonia/Urea plant have been awarded on 11th and 19th September 2019 respectively. Approval has been granted by High Level Clearance Authority  of Odisha Govt. for TFL project on 31st August 2019.
Ministry of Finance
Insurance coverage to PMJDY account holders
Under Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana , a free RuPay debit card is provided to the PMJDY account holders with inbuilt accident insurance cover of Rs. 1 lakh. This coverage amount has since been raised from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh to PMJDY accounts opened after 28.08.2018. This was stated by Shri Anurag Singh Thakur, Union Minister of State for Finance & Corporate Affairs in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Giving more details, the Minister said that all eligible and willing PMJDY account-holders can enroll under Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana  and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana .
Under PMSBY, accident insurance coverage of Rs. 2 lakh is provided to enrolled beneficiaries in the age group of 18 years to 70 years with an annual premium of Rs. 12 only through auto-debit from bank account with express consent of the account holder.
Under PMJJBY, life insurance coverage of Rs. 2 lakh is provided to enrolled beneficiaries in the age group of 18 years to 50 years for an annual premium of Rs. 330 through auto debit from bank account with express consent of the account holder
Ministry of Tourism
Prime Minister to inaugurate the project “Development of Spiritual Circuit: Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple-Aranmula-Sabarimala” in Kerala tomorrow
The project at a cost of Rs. 92.22 Crores is being implemented under Swadesh Darshan scheme of Tourism Ministry
Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the project “Development of Spiritual Circuit: Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple-Aranmula-Sabarimala” being implemented under the Swadesh Drashan Scheme of Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in the presence of Shri Palanisamy Sathasivam Governor of Kerala, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri K.J. Alphons, Union Minister of State  for Tourism, in Kerala tomorrow.
The project ‘Development of Spiritual Circuit: Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple-Aranmula-Sabarimala’ was sanctioned by the Ministry of Tourism in 2016-17 for Rs. 92.22 Crores. Majority of work under this project has been carried out at the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
The Sree Padmanabaswamy Temple is one of the 108 divyadesams of Lord Vishnu. The temple witnesses huge footfall throughout the year. However, the temple precinct did not establish a sense of arrival to the revered destination nor were the amenities sufficient to cater to the tourists. Under this project, the Ministry has developed and rejuvenated the temple and its surroundings keeping in mind the factors of heritage and socio-cultural aspects.
Swadesh Darshan scheme is one of the flagship schemes of Ministry of tourism for development of thematic circuits in the country in a planned and prioritised manner. Under this scheme the Government is focussing on development of quality infrastructure in the country with objective of providing better experience and facilities to the visitors on one hand and on other hand fostering the economic growth. The scheme was launched in 2014 -15 and as on date the Ministry has sanctioned 77 projects worth projects for Rs. 6131.88 Crore to 30 States and UTs. 30 projects / major components of projects are expected to be completed during the current financial year, of which 10 projects worth Rs.834.22 crore, covering the states of Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have already been inaugurated.
The Ministry of Tourism recognizing the tourism potential of the State has sanctioned 7 projects in Kerala under the Swadesh Darshan and PRASHAD schemes for an approximate amount of Rs. 550 crores.
Special Service and Features
Last date for applying for casual AIR News Editors/ Reporters/News Readers extended
The Regional News Unit of All India Radio, Thiruvananthapuram, has extended the last date for submitting applications for the panel of News Editors/Reporters  and News Readers -cum- Translators  purely on casual and assignment basis. The last date has been extended up to 15.07.2022  . The other terms and conditions remain the same.
Those residing within 10 km radius of All India Radio, Thiruvananthapuram, are eligible to apply. All applicants need to appear for written test and interview. Those applying for casual empanelment as News Reader –cum- Translator will have to undergo a voice test also. For further details, please visit www.newsonair.gov.in  or https://prasarbharati.gov.in/pbvacancies/.
ND
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Ministry of Earth Sciences
Southwest Monsoon advances further, covering more parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh
Rainfall intensity over East India is likely to increase
A Low Pressure Area is likely to form over north Bay of Bengal & neighbourhood around 19th June
Isolated Heat wave condition likely over west Rajasthan during next 2 days
According to the National Weather Forecasting Centre/Regional Meteorological Centre, New Delhi of the India Meteorological Department :
♦ Southwest Monsoon has further advanced into some more parts of West Madhya Pradesh, most parts of East Madhya Pradesh, and some more parts of East Uttar Pradesh.
♦ The Northern Limit of Monsoon  now passes through Kandla, Ahmedabad, Indore, Raisen, Khajuraho, Fatehpur and Bahraich.
♦ A cyclonic circulation lies over East Uttar Pradesh & neighbourhood and extends upto 3.6 km above mean sea level and a trough runs from northwest Rajasthan to the cyclonic circulation over East Uttar Pradesh across south Haryana and West Uttar Pradesh and extends upto 0.9 km above mean sea level. Under the influence of these two systems:
- Scattered heavy to very heavy falls and isolated extremely heavy falls over Konkan & Goa during next 2 days and isolated heavy to very heavy falls over Madhya Maharashtra during next 2 days.
- Rainfall intensity over East India is likely to increase and isolated heavy to very rainfall is likely over the region during 17th-19th June, 2020 and isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim during next 5 days.
- Widespread rainfall with isolated heavy falls likely to continue over Assam & Meghalaya and Tripura & Mizoram during next 5 days with isolated heavy to very heavy falls over west Assam & Meghalaya during next 3 days.
♦ A Low Pressure Area is likely to form over north Bay of Bengal & neighbourhood around 19th June.
The IMD forecasts:
♦ Isolated Heat wave condition likely over west Rajasthan during next 2 days.
♦ No significant change in maximum temperatures likely over most parts of the country during next 3 days.
Kindly visit www.imd.gov.in for updates.